Kelp is a large type of seaweed belonging to the kelp species brown algae.They are part of the order of Laminariales. Around 30 species of kelp grow in the water in the form of dense forests.A kelp forest is formed by kelp rising and floating towards the water surface. Kelp forests are seen growing across the west coasts of North and South America, around islands near Antarctica, and the southern regions of Australia and Africa. These kelp forests have an exceedingly rapid growth rate.Giant kelp is considered to be the largest seaweed species to exist and is found along North America’s Pacific coast.Kombu and bull-head kelp are also species of kelp that are well known. While bull-head kelp is used by indigenous people living in coastal areas of north-western America to create fishing nets, kombu is found in Japan and is edible.Kelps are important in underwater ecosystems in various ways. Read further to discover more interesting facts about kelp, its uses, its importance, and where it grows.Uses Of KelpIf you’ve enjoyed reading some facts about kelp, then read on to find out about its uses. For instance, kelp forests formed underwater serve many useful purposes. Some of the amazing uses of a kelp forest are listed as follows.Kelp forests become home to various species living in the water.Kelp is part of the seaweed-farming industry.Harvested kelp is used in the production of various products, such as toiletries like toothpaste and shampoo.The edible species of kelp are also used in food preparation like salad dressings, cakes, puddings, frozen foods, and dairy products.Kelp also has many pharmaceutical uses: kelp can be used as an ingredient in many medications for the treatment of arthritis, tuberculosis, and some infections like influenza and cold.Studies suggest that, due to the high amount of iodine present in kelp, it is also used for the treatment of thyroid-gland conditions caused by deficiencies of iodine.Kelp is part of various vitamin supplements and is also consumed alone for its high amounts of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins.Research is being carried out to study the use of kelp in treating breast cancer.Scientists are now looking into kelp as a kind of biofuel.Studies are also being conducted into kelp and its antioxidant properties, which can help in the prevention of certain diseases and the aging process.Studies have found that kelp can have therapeutic effects on high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.A sugar present in kelp known as algin is a unique constituent extracted from seaweed and used in various products in the form of an emulsifying agent.As a seaweed, kelp is also eaten in dried form, which is readily available in health stores and food markets.Kelp ash is also used as an ingredient in the production of glass and soap.The uses of kelp also extend to soil conditioners, animal feed, and fertilizers.Personal-care products such as massage gels, facial masks, and make-up may also sometimes have kelp as an ingredient.Importance Of KelpNow we know more about the uses of kelp, we can find out more facts about its importance. Kelp is a seaweed and algae species that has great significance for the surrounding ecosystem. Some of the facts regarding the importance of kelp forests are mentioned below.Kelp forests act as a habitat for various marine animals, whether vertebrates or invertebrates, as well as other algae.Many animals use underwater kelp forests to spawn and as a juvenile nursery.Corridors formed by tall kelp forests become the hunting ground of marine mammals and certain predatory shark species.Individual strands of kelp that break off from the main body and float to the surface of the water act as natural rafts and can carry tiny sea creatures to great distances.A kelp forest is considered to be a keystone of the marine ecosystem.Kelp forests have been greatly affected by the decline of sea otters in Southern California.Sea otters are known to attach their babies to the blades of kelp leaves while they gather food for the family.Sea urchins are one of the foods eaten by sea otters, and sea urchins eat kelp as food. Thus, when the population of sea otters declined, sea urchins increased in numbers. This led to a decrease in kelp as it was being over-eaten by the increasing numbers of sea urchins. The decreased kelp forests further led to the decline of the number of sea otters as their babies weren’t able to be safely deposited on kelp blades.Kelp forests are also declining due to coastal pollution, destructive fishing practices, and accidental damage.Since kelp forests play such a significant role in the marine ecosystem, it is necessary to maintain their growth.Dense forests of kelp check the strength of water currents. The presence of a kelp forest reduces the force of the water as it moves towards the shore.Warmer summers and seasonal changes in the water current can also affect the growth of kelp as it lessens the number of nutrients to the plant.Strong storms can rip kelp forests from the seabed and thereby decrease their numbers.To maintain balance in ecosystems that are dependent on kelp forests, these areas must be protected.Where does kelp grow?Now we have found out more about the uses of kelp and its importance, why not read on to find out where kelp species grow. Kelp requires specific conditions in order to grow properly, and these are listed below.Kelp thrives in cold, nutrient-rich waters.Kelp is dissimilar to other plant species in that it has no roots but instead has a similar structure called a holdfast. Kelp grows below or at low tide levels in the sea while being attached to the seabed through its holdfast.Kelp grows by obtaining nutrients and minerals from surrounding water instead of through roots.However, similar to plants, kelp forests require photosynthesis to grow.A kelp forest keeps its upright position by filling gas pods on its kelp blades, which enables it to float towards the water surface.Kelp forests are generally formed in clear and shallow waters near the coastal areas of the sea.The nutrient-rich shallow water must be below 68° F (20° C) for a kelp forest to grow and provide for the surrounding ecosystem.A kelp forest might develop densely with biodiversity, ecological function, and high production.Clear and shallow water provides better chances for kelp forests to absorb sunlight penetrating the water surface.
Kelp is a large type of seaweed belonging to the kelp species brown algae.
